A promise in a storm

We had a wicked storm the other night.  There was rain, thunder, lightning, and a strong wind.  The sound of the storm woke me and as I was lying there listening to branches break off and fall on our roof I knew that I was safe inside my house.  The roof and walls would do their job to keep the storm from coming inside and harming us.  Around 6:00 a.m. the storm let up and all that was left was rain.  By 7:00 even that had ceased.  I went outside with the intent of viewing the damage.  But, even though there was trash and broken tree limbs everywhere, what I found instead was another demonstration of  God's love for us. 
In Psalm 18:2 David says "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;...He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold."
You see, I could have chosen to just see the damage the storm left behind



the trash that had blown in 

and the broken branches

I could look up and see the tangled mess left in the trees

But I am reminded that if  I only look at what's in front of me I will be blinded to what is ahead and above

If I step back and see the bigger picture

I can see the sun shining through those same branches

and I can see that the storm did not destroy the tree, it simply pruned it - getting rid of the dead branches so that it could continue to grow and stand strong against the wind

When I picked up the trash and threw it away

Life came back

And when the storms of life come my way I know that like this roof

Jesus is there to protect me and keep the worst of the storm out.

Do you need a promise today? 

"But the Lord is my fortress; my God is a mighty rock where I can hide."  Psalm 95:22

"For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.  Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!"  Psalm 61:3-4

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10



For Women

This was sent to me for inspiration:


I know sometimes it seems that we live almost invisible...
laundry, kids, work, wal-mart.

Does anyone notice?

Yes, sweet girl, yes.

There is One who watches you.

He sees that extra patience when you're tired.

He sees that smile you give even when you've got none left.

He sees that last dish you wash, that first-thing-in-the-morning report you finish.

You matter to Him.

You and all you do.

He numbers the hairs on your head.

He counts the cares on your heart.

He notices you.

And He loves what He sees.

You may not feel appreciated at times.

But the heart of heaven applauds you.

Well done, daughter of His, well done.

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3

The Sweetest 12 Commandments

Sometimes I just need a reminder. Today is one of those days so I thought I'd share with everyone.